ARC Review: A Glimmer of Hope by Steve McHugh

A Glimmer of Hope
Author: Steve McHugh
Series: The Avalon Chronicles (Book 1)
Publication: 47North (April 1, 2018)

Description: Layla Cassidy has always wanted a normal life, and the chance to put her father’s brutal legacy behind her. And in her final year of university she’s finally found it. Or so she thinks.

But when Layla accidentally activates an ancient scroll, she is bestowed with an incredible, inhuman power. She plunges into a dangerous new world, full of mythical creatures and menace—all while a group of fanatics will stop at nothing to turn her abilities to their cause.

To protect those she loves most, Layla must take control of her new powers…before they destroy her. All is not yet lost—there is a light shining, but Layla must survive long enough to see it.

My Thoughts: This is an urban fantasy with a richly developed world filled with a secret society that rules it all, werewolves, ogres, red caps, and other creatures pulled from mythology. Layla gets pulled into this world when she is kidnapped by Elias Wells, the red cap, and in an escape attempt bleeds on a scroll which causes her to inherit the demon trapped in it and the three other persons who previously held the scroll.

Layla has been laying low, attending university, and taking MMA classes. Her father is a well-known serial killer who was caught when she was fourteen. He taught her to fight and use weapons when she was a child. She loved him and felt particularly betrayed when his secret life came to light. She is one of the few people who know where he is imprisoned but has refused to communicate with him since his incarceration.

Layla has been building a safe life with just a couple trusted friends until everything is disrupted by her kidnapping. Now, she has to find a way to take control of her new powers which include the ability to control metal won't be easy since her demon is determined to take control of her and kill everyone she has ever loved. She is also feeling betrayed again because she learns that Chloe who has become her best friend was assigned to watch over her by this same secret society.

The book is stronger on world building than it is on character development. Layla seems to be particularly one-note until quite late in the book. Her desire not to unleash the anger inside her and her sense of betrayal are her primary motivations and are frequently referred to. Though the characters could be more well-rounded, the story does not lack in action. There are frequent battles as the good guys confront the bad guys. There is also some humor as Layla banters with her friend Chloe and her friend Henry.

Fans of action in their urban fantasy will enjoy this story.

Favorite Quote:

She refused to become her father's daughter. She refused to allow that enjoyment of violence to turn her into a new version of him.

I received this one in exchange for an honest review from Amazon through the Kindle First program. You can buy your copy here.